April Board Meeting Highlights

Trustees took a moment to sign the National Community College Month banner for display in Galle - Johnson before the beginning of the April Board meeting.  

Under Awards and Reports, Cowley College President Dr. Michelle Schoon updated the Board on recent College happenings and events. 

Roxanna James - Impact and Trio Director, recently won the MO-KAN-NE Hall of Fame award. This award is a “prestigious recognition that not only celebrates her achievements but also shines a spotlight on the excellence of our program at Cowley College". In addition, Mark Flickinger won first place in the Oil Painters of America National Convention wet paint competition in the Plein Air division, receiving ​​a digital article package valued at $6,000.

Cowley has received the Military Friendly Gold Status for the second year in a row, the top rating given to schools that reinforce the education of our service members. “Gold Award winners have programs that scored within 20 percent of the 10th-ranked institution within a given category” (Military Friendly).

Additionally, Dr. Schoon stated that the College has hosted four Humphrey Fellows over the last two weeks. Each of these four students received an Education Scholarship to their host universities. They are also professionals in their countries of origin. Debbie Phelps, Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness, has been elected Vice Chair of the Association for Institutional Research Board of Directors for next year. Schoon congratulated the students who received recognition at the Honors and Awards Banquet, with Daniela Salcedo being named the 2023-2024 Student of the Year.

In other news, Fall enrollment began on April 1st, followed by the Tiger Enrollment Open House event on April 4th, including door prizes, giveaways, and scholarship drawings. Those in attendance could enroll in classes and visit with the Financial Aid and Scholarship Representatives. Through these and other efforts, we see enrollment at Cowley trending upwards, with a slight increase in numbers from last spring.

Government Affairs Liaison Jessica Lucas discussed Legislative updates regarding the recent budgeting bill passed by the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives. 

Lynlea Bartlett presented Journey Catlett with the March Student of the Month. Catlett shared, ”Cowley has been a great experience and has become like a family”. Stellar Young stated, “Cowley has been a really great school".

Administrative Reports within the agenda updated on the construction of the new Technical Education building, the 50th anniversary of Renn Library, and the 243 graduation sets ordered by the Bookstore.

As for Public Comment, Daniela Salcedo of the Voices Heard Club spoke about Diversity Awareness Month. She shared excerpts of statements from her fellow students on the impact diversity plays in their college experience.  

During standing committee reports, the Board reviewed and approved the updates to the Office Management Certificate A, and AAS; and approved the updates to the Accounting Assistant Certificate A, Certificate B, and AAS as presented, and moved into the approval of the Consent Agenda. 

On the Discussion agenda, the Board interviewed three candidates who expressed interest in the vacant seat of Marla Sexson. Stanley Cochran, Charles Jennings, and David Stanley introduced themselves and answered questions. David Stanley was appointed to the vacant position, expiring in January 2026, by a vote of 5-2. 

The Board unanimously approved the Summer Board Planning Session for July 10, 2024, from 1-5 p.m. Lastly, the Chair reminded trustees to complete the President’s annual evaluation and return it to the Board Clerk by May 1st. With no other proceedings, Chair Bazil declared the meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

For more details, see the agenda or visit The Board of Trustee's Page.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu